Taiwo Leo Atieno accused of assaulting Sugababes' Keisha Buchanan
A former professional footballer has appeared in court charged with assaulting Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan, and controlling when she could shower, wear lipstick or go to the gym.Taiwo Leo Atieno, 39, faces eight charges relating to his ex-girlfriend, Ms Buchanan, during an approximately 13-year period.The former Luton Town and Kenya national team player appeared via video-link wearing a suit and tie.He was granted conditional bail and is due to enter pleas in August.
Mr Atieno, from Brixton, south London, is charged with assaulting the founding Sugababes member between 2012 and 2015, causing her actual bodily harm.He is also charged with controlling or coercive behaviour against Ms Buchanan.It is alleged he opened Ms Buchanan's correspondence, would not let her wear red lipstick, and that he controlled her finances and when she could go to the gym or shower.The judge told him during the Harrow Crown Court case (sitting at Southwark) he must not contact Ms Buchanan, must not enter the district of Barnet and must surrender his passport.
Ms Buchanan was a teenager when she became one of the original members of the Sugababes with Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy in 1998.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Lewis Hamilton risks wrath of his beloved Roscoe after he is seen petting Chief Mouser Larry the Cat at meeting with PM
SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has risked the wrath of his beloved dog Roscoe... after he was seen petting Larry the Cat. Formula One superstar Hamilton is well known to be a socially conscious person, and leads his Mission 44 project to support young people in their education. 5 5 5 To that end, the 40-year-old was seen in attendance at Downing Street earlier this week for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss education reform. During his visit, the seven-time F1 world champion took some time out from the meetings to introduce himself to Number 10's Chief Mouser, Larry. Larry has served in the role since 2011 after being adopted by then PM David Cameron. Born in 2007, the tabby is as old as Hamilton's F1 career when he started out with McLaren in the same year. Taking to social media, the (un)official Larry the Cat account shared a photo of Hamilton petting the feline as he laid on his bed by a window. He captioned the post: "Thanks for the stroke. @LewisHamilton - love from the sleeping cat to the prancing horse x." It was a bit of a change of pace for Hamilton, who is usually seen alongside his French bulldog Roscoe. And one fan on social media was quick to point out: "If Roscoe ever sees this picture he will never forgive LH." However, Roscoe's most recent Instagram post showed him being given a tasty treat, showing Hamilton knows the way to the heart of man's best friend. Hamilton has not had the best interaction with cats in the past, revealing last year how he had black cats "thrown" at him. He also landed himself in trouble with animal rights activists in 2016 when he was seen playing with a tiger and jaguar during a visit to Mexico City's Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation. But most fans were loving the crossover of two British icons, with one saying: "Two legends in the same photo." A second said: "Oh what an honour! (For Lewis)." A third added: "Prime Minister Larry deigns to share some of his aura with Lewis. I respect that." Another joked: "Ahh I guess Lewis's demands to Sir Keir Starmer proved futile and Lewis went over Keir's head to the real power in Number 10." The Ferrari star admitted last month that he worries about his 12-year-old pooch following a recent battle he had with pneumonia. Hamilton said: "This is a time where every time I get a text message from the lady who looks after him, my heart stops for a second. "Because I'm thinking, 'What's next?' But he's fine now, fortunately. He is doing well. 'I never felt like my voice was heard' - Lewis Hamilton on education reform Hamilton's appearance at Downing Street was for more than just saying hello to Larry the Cat, but in fact was down to his goal of pushing for education reform in the UK. On his visit, Hamilton said: "I struggled in school and never felt like my voice was heard, that's why I know first-hand that ensuring every student feels they belong in school is vital. "I'm grateful that, off the back of this meeting, the government has committed to working with Mission 44 to enact change focused on making the education system more inclusive. "I'm so proud of how far Mission 44 has come in such a short space of time and the opportunity we have to transform the lives of vulnerable students across the country." In a previous interview with the Sunday Times, Hamilton revealed: "When I was in my 20s, I had some really difficult phases. "I've struggled with mental health throughout my life. [I've had] depression. "From a very early age, when I was, like, 13. "I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. "The bullying. I had no one to talk to.' "He's 12 and a half years old, so he's an old boy and it's unusual for them to live that long." The duo have practically been inseparable for a decade, and even appear together on the front cover of a recent edition of Vogue. When quizzed on Roscoe's next appearance, Hamilton said: "I really want to take him to Silverstone, and particularly Monza, this year. "I plan to put him in a red cape and outfit. I was with him before Miami and he still wants to play. "He's still got that youthful spirit. But he does like to sleep a lot." Roscoe's trainer, Kirstin McMillan, nursed the vegan canine back to full fitness after he fell ill in April, as he was treated with medication and specialist acupuncture treatment. Meanwhile, Hamilton has been struggling to extract the best out of his Ferrari machinery, and - outside of a Sprint Race win - is yet to score a podium with the Scuderia after joining them over the winter. He later showed his class by apologising for snapping at reporter Rachel Brooks. Hamilton will have a chance at redemption at the Canadian Grand Prix on June 15. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.'
BreakingNews.ie
an hour ago
- BreakingNews.ie
BBC Bargain Hunt expert jailed over art sales to ‘Hezbollah financier'
A BBC Bargain Hunt art expert who failed to report a series of high-value art sales to a man suspected of financing militant group Hezbollah has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Oghenochuko Ojiri, 53, sold artwork worth around £140,000 (€166,191) to Nazem Ahmad, a man designated by US authorities as a suspected financier for the Lebanese organisation. Advertisement Ojiri, of Brent, north London, previously pleaded guilty to eight offences under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. He is believed to be the first person to be charged with the specific offence. One of the invoices Oghenochuko Ojiri sent to Nazem Ahmad (Metropolitan Police/PA) The art dealer, who has also appeared on the BBC's Antiques Road Trip, was charged with failing to disclose information about transactions in the regulated art market sector on or before dates between October 2020 and December 2021. US prosecutors say Mr Ahmad was a 'major Hezbollah financial donor' who used high-value art and diamonds to launder money and fund the group. He is accused of evading terrorism sanctions by using front companies to acquire more than 160 million dollars (£120 million) in artwork and diamond services. Advertisement Oghenochuko Ojiri has been jailed (Metropolitan Police/PA) Following the introduction of new money laundering regulations in January 2020 that brought the art market under HMRC supervision, Ojiri is said to have discussed the changes with a colleague, indicating awareness of the rules. The court previously heard the total value of the artwork sold was around £140,000. The defendant was, at the relevant time, the owner and operator of Ramp Gallery – latterly Ojiri Gallery, Lyndon Harris, prosecuting, said. Mr Ahmad is understood to be based in Beirut, the court heard. Advertisement Mr Harris said: 'The defendant engaged in discussions with and sales over a 14-month period with Nazem Ahmad and his associates, selling art to the value of £140,000 over that period.' The court previously heard the total value of the artwork sold was around £140,000 (Met Police/PA) The defendant knew Mr Ahmad had been sanctioned in the US, a previous hearing was told. Ahmad's phone number was saved on Ojiri's phone as 'Moss', the court heard. '(It) appears to have been a name deliberately chosen to disguise Mr Ahmad as being one of his contacts,' the prosecutor said. Advertisement He added that Ojiri was warned by others about his conduct 'but proceeded to engage in dealings with Ahmad in any event'. Gavin Irwin, defending, said Ojiri was arrested while filming a BBC TV programme. He said: 'He has lost the work he loves. He was arrested while filming a BBC television programme. 'He has already lost, of course, his good name, he was until recently a man of good character.' Advertisement He said the defendant had been 'naive' in relation to his participation in Ahmad's art market, but that he was 'preyed on by more sophisticated others'. Mr Irwin also said the defendant has lost his business, accepted that he had done wrong and wanted to 'apologise for undermining trust in the industry' and also to 'apologise for the distress that he has caused principally to those who know him, who love him, but also those who have supported him throughout his career'. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb sentenced Ojiri to two years and six months in prison at the Old Bailey on Friday, with a further year to be spent on licence. She told Ojiri he had been involved in a commercial relationship 'for prestige and profit', and that he had been 'seeking the kudos of dealing with an eminent name in the dealing world'. She added: 'You knew about Ahmad's suspected involvement in financing terrorism and the way the art market can be exploited by someone like him.' Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said that until these events he was 'someone to be admired' and added 'this is the nadir – there is one direction your life can go and I am confident that you will not be in front of the courts again.' The judge said the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: 'The prosecution, using specific Terrorism Act legislation is the first of its kind, and should act as a warning to all art dealers that we can, and will, prosecute those who knowingly do business with people identified as funders of terrorist groups. 'Oghenochuko Ojiri wilfully obscured the fact he knew he was selling artwork to Nazem Ahmad, someone who has been sanctioned by the UK and US Treasury and described as a funder of the proscribed terrorist group Hizballah. 'Financial investigation is a crucial part of the counter terrorism effort. A team of specialist investigators, analysts and researchers in the NTFIU work all year round to prevent money from reaching the hands of terrorists or being used to fund terrorist attacks.' Bethan David, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: 'It is clear that Oghenochuko Ojiri was aware of new money laundering regulations in the art world and that he had knowledge of Nazem Ahmad's background. 'Ojiri engaged in activity designed to conceal the identity of the true purchaser by changing the details on invoices and storing Mr Ahmad's name under a different alias in his mobile phone. 'His motivation appears to be financial along with a broader desire to boost his gallery's reputation within the art market by dealing with such a well-known collector.' Ojiri has appeared on a number of BBC shows including Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip as a freelance presenter and is understood not to have worked on BBC programmes since 2023. He described himself as 'absolutely obsessed' with collecting contemporary art in a BBC Q&A. He has previously worked as an auctioneer and is known for championing African and European contemporary art. Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political and militant group based in Lebanon, backed by Iran and known for its armed resistance against Israel. In the UK, the entire organisation – both its military and political wings – has been banned as a terrorist group since 2019.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Sugababes headline Cheshire Oaks' 30 anniversary event
With multiple UK number-one singles and a catalogue of beloved hits, the Sugababes will be taking to the stage, after a DJ performance from Take That star Howard Donald. The event will be hosted by Hits Radio DJ and former Pussycat Doll, Kimberly Wyatt. The celebrations are completely free to customers and local visitors, and the designer outlet will be giving back to charity partners including The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Koala, Flynns Port in the Storm and Claire House among others. Staff and their families will be given exclusive golden circle access, with the best seats in the house. And for a lucky few, the experience will be even more memorable, with a select group of VIPs from the local community receiving the opportunity to meet the headline act in person. The anniversary gig marks a flagship celebratory event, as the brand continues to honour its storied past, exploring how fashion and shopping habits have evolved since its doors first opened in 1995. Cheshire Oaks is the UK's largest designer outlet, with over 400,000 sq. ft of retail space and more than 165 brands on site. Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: 'This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Cheshire Oaks. 'We have evolved continuously over the last three decades, and now it's time to celebrate in true style. 'Over our 30 years we've built a real sense of community that makes this centre special, and we want to celebrate this milestone with the local area and people so close to our heart.'
